UEFA reluctantly approves two overseas games but does not want to set precedent | OneFootball

“It is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead”

UEFA has reluctantly approved the staging of two domestic league games overseas - but says it will work to ensure it does not set a precedent.

Barcelona and Villarreal are seeking to play their December LaLiga clash in Miami, while AC Milan and Como want to stage their Serie A encounter in Perth, Australia, next February.

However, UEFA said it felt it had no option but to approve these two requests due to a lack of a "clear and detailed" framework, with FIFA still in the process of finalising new regulations.

The final decision on staging these matches - which are strongly opposed by Football Supporters Europe - will now pass to FIFA.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions.

"Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.

"While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent.

"Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment."

UEFA said it would now "actively contribute" to the ongoing work being led by FIFA "to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities".

National member associations have committed to engage with UEFA on any future requests, UEFA said.

Serie A and LaLiga see the staging of these matches overseas as crucial to growing their competitions' commercial appeal in new countries.

Football Supporters Europe, in response, issued a statement welcoming UEFA's "clear opposition to domestic games abroad", but lamenting the decision to allow two games to proceed, and calling for firm rules to be brought in to protect domestic competition.

It added: "FSE will continue to stand firmly with fans in Spain and Italy in resisting these damaging proposals. Together with our members in these countries, we are looking into every possible option to counter these plans.

"By forcing through these matches, La Liga and Serie A risk undermining their own history and long-term success while inflicting long-lasting harm to football in Europe - and beyond.

"Now is the time for a solid regulatory framework that protects domestic competition. We remain committed to working with UEFA, the European institutions, and all relevant bodies to uphold the voice of the supporters and protect European football."